11 Days Safari to Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Taita Hills (Salt Lick) & Tsavo East

Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

We start our 11 Days Safari adventure with our driver comfortably picking you up from your hotel in Nairobi or the Nairobi airport in the early morning at 7:00am. We then together proceed to the stunningly beautiful Samburu National Reserve. Upon arrival in Samburu, we enjoy a game drive en-route to our lodge for check-in and lunch. A safari through Samburu will show you the strange and out-of-the-ordinary species of northern Kenya. It is ideal for people who are not just after the Big Cats and the Great Migration, but love remote areas and unique landscapes. If you are looking for a tour off the beaten track, Samburu is a good choice.

After lunch, we find time for leisure and refreshment, then head off to an afternoon game drive. Samburu National Reserve is home to a number of very unique animals. You can marvel at beautiful Reticulated Giraffes, Grevy’s Zebras, Beisa Oryx, Blue Legged Somali Ostriches and Gerenuks (especially beautiful long-necked antelopes). Those stunning animals are referred to as the “Samburu Five”.

Overnight at the Samburu Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Samburu National Reserve

The full second day of our 11 Days Safari adventure will be spent in the Samburu National Reserve. We search for the Big Five, the Samburu Five, and observe the vast unspoiled scenery during morning and afternoon game drives. Kenya’s north is characterized by hot and dry climates. Yellow grass, red earth and huge old trees paint a romantic picture of African beauty. But the environment within Samburu National Reserve is as challenging for its inhabitants, as it is beautiful.

Water is scarce here, and the Ewaso Ng’iro, the gently flowing river in Samburu, is the reserve’s only lifeline. Buffaloes, Elephants, Giraffes, Gazelles and occasionally Wild Dogs are indulging in the refreshing wet. Leopards and Lions are waiting for the heat of the day to wear off, as they patiently gaze at their evening prey. But they are not the only predators at the scene. Huge Nile Crocodiles await everyone who is all too impatient to get to the river’s shores….

Overnight at the Samburu Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park

We enjoy an energizing early morning breakfast, then depart Samburu for marvelous Lake Nakuru National Park. Taking lunch on the way, we arrive in the early afternoon hours. “Lake in pink” is probably the best way to describe Lake Nakuru. Up to two million Flamingos nest around its shores, giving the lake its unique colour. Sometimes the birds are present in such numbers that the lake’s surface cannot be seen!

The lake is home to more than 450 species of birds. There are no Elephants in the park, but in a afternoon game drive we can spot the other members of the Big Five, including tree-climbing Lions. Special attention is paid to a conservation area for White and Black Rhino. In one of Kenya’s largest Rhino sanctuaries, rangers protect the endangered species from poaching. Towards the east of the lake, we take a look at Africa’s biggest Euphorbia forest, tall, cactus-like trees which are not only visually appealing, but are also providing a unique habitat for the park’s wildlife.

Overnight at the Lake Nakuru Lodge or Flamingo Hill Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Maasai Mara Game Reserve

On the fourth day of our wonderful 11 Days Safari journey, we depart stunning Lake Nakuru for the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the jewel among Kenya’s game reserves. The enormous reserve is actually part of the vast Serengeti plains and is well-known for its spectacular wildebeest migration. It is the true home of the BIG FIVE: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Cape Buffalo. Its name derives from the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who still call the wide plains of Kenya and northern Tanzania home. As we travel through Maasai land, we occasionally come across a solitary Maasai Moran (=Warrior) standing on one foot while herding hundreds of cows, goats and sheep. His only defense against the dangerous wildlife surrounding him to all sides is a single stick or spear!

Upon arrival in the Maasai Mara, we comfortably take lunch at our camp before exploring the huge reserve on a late afternoon game drive. In the evening, we relax around the campfire and enjoy an excellent dinner.

Overnight at the Osero Camp or Oloshaiki Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Maasai Mara Game Reserve

This day of safari adventure is exclusively spent in the Maasai Mara. We look out for the park’s big cats, the Big Five and the abundance of wildlife and natural wonders found in Kenya’s most famous game reserve. Remember to keep a sharp lookout; you may witness a dramatic hunt, a solitary Leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree, or a herd of Elephants protecting their young from predators. The Maasai Mara has one of the richest wildlife ensembles in the world, hosting over 95 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Game viewing is never dull here, and patience is usually rewarded with unique sightings.

Between July and October (usually best in July and August), we can witness the famous Wildebeest and Zebra migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. A massive accumulation of 1.5 million Wildebeest, 200,000 Zebras and 350,000 Gazelles stretches their legs over 2000km in an annual race to find enough water and green grass for their survival.

Overnight at the Osero Camp or Oloshaiki Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, we leave our adventures in the Mara behind and drive on to a completely different environment: Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is the highest-lying lake in the eastern arm of the East African Rift Valley and one of two freshwater lakes in Kenya. It is a paradise for all sorts of water birds: Pelicans, Herons, Eagles, Geese and Ducks are found in plentiful numbers. Hippos take baths or rest lazily around the shores of the lake. Wildebeest (Gnus) and Impalas graze close by.

We arrive in good time for an afternoon boat ride to watch the sun set over Lake Naivasha. Navigating right through herds of Hippos is a rather special experience that – we guarantee for that – you won’t easily forget. Alternatively, a nature walk at Crescent Island is an excellent way to see wild animals. The island is a private game sanctuary, and home to Zebras, Gazelles, Monkeys, Hares, Bucks and Giraffes. In the evening, we return to our lodge for a delicious dinner.

Overnight at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or Lake Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Lake Naivasha – Amboseli National Park

On Day 7 of our breathtaking 11 Days Safari trip, we enjoy a delicious breakfast and then depart Lake Naivasha for the magical Amboseli National Park. On a clear day, we marvel at majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as we approach the park. We arrive at our lodge in perfect time for lunch, find time to relax and dip into the inviting swimming pool, and then set out on a fabulous game drive.

Amboseli is best known for its great herds of Elephants – you’ll often find plenty of them standing knee-deep in the water, spraying water, eating and bathing in the swamps to cool off. Predators stalk the herds of grazing animals, recreating the age-old drama of life and death under the African sun, in a setting so lushly beautiful. Cheetahs, Buffaloes, Giraffes, different types of Gazelle and rich plains game are but a few examples of the stunning wildlife found here. As the sun goes down on Amboseli National Park, we return to our accommodation for dinner.

Overnight at the Sentrim Amboseli Lodge or Kibo Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Amboseli National Park

We spend a whole day in Amboseli National Park, embarking on marvelous morning and afternoon game drives. This park is a genuine paradise for all sorts of stunning wildlife. Amboseli is Big Game Country. With a bit of luck, we come face-to-face with all of the BIG Five here. Mount Kilimanjaro provides the background scenery for our adventures in Amboseli. Anyone will agree it’s a one-of-a-kind experience to witness the exact moment in which the mountain emerges from the cloud layers into bright sunshine. Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape from every perspective, dwarfing even the park’s huge Elephants. Amboseli is a must-see and even experienced safari adventurers enjoy returning here – stunningly beautiful wildlife against the background of Africa’s highest mountain is a picture no one gets ever tired of.

We can also decide to visit a Maasai Village close-by and learn about the proud tribe’s rich culture and practices.

Overnight at the Sentrim Amboseli Lodge or Kibo Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Amboseli National Park – Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (Salt Lick)

After an energizing breakfast, we check-out of our accommodation and head off to a game drive en-route to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (Salt Lick) for check-in and lunch. After lunch, we find time to freshen-up and relax. Then, hungry for more adventures, we embark on a spectacular afternoon game drive with chances to spot, amongst others, Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Cheetahs, Zebras, Gazelles and different types of birds such as Ostriches, Guinea Fowls, and Weaver Birds. Besides hosting an abundance of astonishing wildlife, Taita Hills is also rich in physical attractions, including thorny bush lands, acacia forests, arid areas, savannah and swamps.

Overnight at the Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (Salt Lick) – Tsavo East National Park

The new day starts with a splendid good-morning-game-drive in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary followed by a comfortable breakfast at our lodge. We then depart for famous Tsavo East National Park. We arrive in good time for lunch, then head of to more adventures in an afternoon game drive. Tsavo East is known for excellent game viewing which includes Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes, Kudus, Oryx, Klipspringers, Impalas, Stripped Hyenas, Ostriches, Gazelles, Buffaloes, Tsavo’s famous “Red Elephants” and many more. We can also marvel at a variety of migratory and native birds. These birds are present between late October and early January, and come from as far as Eastern- and Western Europe. Tsavo East’s landscape is mostly open savannah and wide plains, making game spotting easy and rewarding.

Excited from our sightings and the day’s impressions, we return to our camp for a delicious dinner and a comfortable night.

Overnight at the Sentrim Tsavo Tarhi Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Tsavo East National Park – Nairobi

As our time in the bush draws to an end, we enjoy a last morning game drive in Tsavo East, take a comfortable breakfast and be on our way to Voi Town for lunch. After lunch, we drive on to Mombasa’s Moi Airport, where you will take your flight back to Nairobi. In Nairobi, our driver already awaits you to safely bring you back to your hotel. Your wonderful 11 Days Safari adventure ends here, but you won’t go empty-handed. Instead, you return home with lots of unforgettable memories and a big bright smile right across your face – that much we can promise!

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Program includes:

• Drive in a Private Safari Van with English speaking tour driver/guide
• Flight back to Mombasa/Diani
• All transfers
• All park entry fees
• Accommodation and meals as mentioned in program
• Government taxes
• Mineral water on the van

Not included:

• Tips and gratuities
• Laundry
• Drinks and beverages and any other item of personal nature
• International Flights
  
  [collapse]